How to Play Nassau
Nassau is one of the most popular golf betting formats because it breaks a round into three separate bets, giving players multiple chances to win money (or points). Instead of one long match, Nassau splits the game into three segments, which keeps the competition exciting throughout.
Basic Rules
1. Three separate bets are played within an 18-hole round:
- Front 9 (Holes 1-9)
- Back 9 (Holes 10-18)
- Overall Match (All 18 holes combined)
2. Each bet is worth the same amount (e.g., $5 per segment).
3. The format is typically Match Play (whoever wins more holes, wins the bet)
How to Play
1.Set the Wager
- Players agree on the amount for each of the three bets (e.g., $5 Nassau means each segment is worth $5, making a total of $15 in bets).
- Nassau can be played as individual or team-based (2v2 best-ball).
2.Play the Front 9
- Count holes won. Whoever wins the most holes on the front 9 wins that bet.
- Example: Player A wins 5 holes, Player B wins 3 holes → Player A wins the Front 9 bet.
3.Play the Back 9
- Reset the score and start a new bet for the back 9 holes.
- The player who wins the most holes from holes 10-18 wins this bet.
4.Overall 18-Hole Score
- Keep track of total holes won throughout all 18 holes.
- The player (or team) with the most wins over the entire round wins the Overall Nassau bet.
Presses – The High-Stakes Twist!
Nassau is famous for “Presses”, which let players double the bet if they’re behind.
- A Press is a side bet that starts a new match running alongside the original.
- It’s typically offered when a player is down by 2 or more holes.
- Example: If Player A is losing 3 down on the front 9, they can press to create a new bet, which runs for the remaining holes.
- Presses can stack up, leading to multiple bets running at the same time.
Variations of Nassau
- Automatic Press: A new bet automatically starts whenever a player is 2 down.
- Junk Bets: Extra bets for birdies, sand saves, or closest to the pin.
- Match Play or Stroke Play: Nassau is usually match play, but it can be adjusted to stroke play (total score per segment instead of holes won).